JAMES A. HASLAM II LEADERSHIP AWARD

Dale Keasling was recently recognized by the Knoxville Chamber with the 2023 Pinnacle Business James A. Haslam II Leadership Award. Keasling is widely known in banking and nonprofit circles, having been a part of the area business community for over 50 years. Dale began his Knoxville career with Valley Fidelity Bank, becoming president and CEO, and served as the president and CEO of Home Federal Bank of Tennessee for 25 years.

“Dale Keasling has been responsible for many achievements at Home Federal Bank and in our community. I continue to be impressed by his deep commitment to serving our community,” said David Reynolds, Home Federal Bank of Tennessee president and CEO. “Dale led our bank with a steady hand, strong leadership, and a constant reminder to stay the course and always do the right thing.  He has garnered a reputation of integrity and respect among his employees, clients, and our community at large. We are very proud that he is being honored with such a fitting award.”

The Haslam Leadership Award, sponsored by The Trust Company of Tennessee, is given to a long-standing business leader who exhibits strength in character, resolve, a commitment to the community, and exemplary success in the regional business community. Honorees are selected by the chairman of the Knoxville Chamber board.

“As the sponsor of this prestigious award, The Trust Company of Tennessee understands the standards that have to be met to earn recognition as a leader for an award named after James A. Haslam II,” said Daniel Carter, president of The Trust Company of Tennessee. “The selection of Dale Keasling is an outstanding one and well-deserved. Dale embodies the qualities that the leadership award seeks – character, community service and business success that set the example for everyone.”

Keasling served his country in the United States Air Force and was later awarded an honorary doctorate from Johnson University. Now retired, Dale gets to enjoy more time with his five grandchildren on his farm in Greene County. While his success within the banking industry is evident, when asked, most comment instead on the positive impacts of Dale’s demeanor.

“He is just a total gentleman. He's sincere, he's genuine. He takes great care of those that he works with, whether they work for him or with him. I've never seen anybody that can get more out of other people in an encouraging way. He motivates people,” commented Wes Stowers, chairman of the Chamber’s board and CEO of Stowers Machinery Corporation. “And it's not just his leadership, it’s his financial acumen. He's brilliant financially, both in banking and helping nonprofits be good stewards of the funds they receive.”

In addition to his professional experience, Keasling has devoted his time serving on a multitude of boards including the Tennessee Bankers Association, United Way of Greater Knoxville, The Mental Health Association of East Tennessee, Friends of the Great Smoky Mountains, and many more. He was also a founding member of Leadership Knoxville.

“The Knoxville region is better because of Dale’s direction and kindness,” added Stowers. “He is more than deserving to join the ranks of previous award recipients and banking and finance professionals including Larry Martin, Pam Fansler and Sharon Miller Pryse.”

For in-depth video interviews and more information on the Pinnacle 2023 Business Awards, presented by Pinnacle Financial Partners, visit www.knoxvillechamber.com/pinnacle.

−Knoxville Chamber

This article originally appeared on Knoxville News Sentinel: Pinnacle Business Awards: Dale Keasling gets Leadership award